Dispensing machine



Aug. 26, 1941- L. M. PERSONS DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 3, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 a 1,4 In" 11'11" "l, rn

y ,4free/Vig Aug. 26, 1941. L. M. PERSONS 2,253,807

DISPENSING MACHINE Filed DSC. 3, 1938 5 SheGtS-Sheet 2 v @ua 111111111111110: 1111111111110 'lll1r1l1m '1111111111111111/1'5 '/111/ Aug. 26, 1941. 1 M. PERSONS v DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 3, 195B 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ug. 26, 1941. L, M, PERSONS 2,253,807

DISPENS ING MACHINE Filed Dec. 3, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Amer/VCE M ,05,650 M5,

'Aug'. 26, 1941. v M PERSONS 2,253,807

DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec.. 3, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 26, 1941 UNITED ISTATESPATENT OFFICE DISPENSING MACHINE.

Lawrence M. Persons, St. Louis County, Mo.

Application December 3, 1938, Serial No. 243,893

(ci. 31a-97) Claims.

The present invention relates generally to dispensing devices, and more particularly to dispensing machines for cigarettes, candy bars, --and the like, employing a plurality of bucket chains as carriers for the products dispensed.

tion with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a dispensing machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of An object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispensing machine which includes rotatable carriers for dispensed products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispensing machine which includes a plurality of bucket chains as the carriers for the product dispensed.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine employing bucket chains as carriers 'and having a novel release and locking mechanism' adapted to dispense one item from a selected one of said carriers. n

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine having chain bucket carriers for the products, which includes a cooperative coinhandling mechanism.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine having chain bucket carriers which includes a cooperating governor adapted to regulate the speed of the carriers in their dispensing movements.

Another object is to provide novel means for preventing unwarranted back-up movement of the rotatable carriers.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine which includes chain bucket carriers mounted about spaced axes of revolution and individually spring-actuated.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine including a plurality of chain bucket carriers, each of which is operable from an initial relatively short movement of its operating device.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing I machine, substantially all the operating elements of which are pivotally mounted to insure easy operation from an initiating short movement of an operating device.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine of large capacity through the use oi continuous bucket chains as carriers.

Another object is to provide a novel dispensing machine which can be readily manufactured, which is adapted to function for a long period oi time without failure due to the relative simplicity of the operating mechanismwhich is both easy and simple to operate, and which is substantially vermin-proof.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjuncthe prent invention;

Fig. 2 is a iront elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view of the other side oi the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1 on an enlargedscale, the casing being in section, and a part of the casing being broken away for conservation of space;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6--8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 'I is a section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the other end of the machine from that shown in Fig. 5, the casing being in section, the lower part vof the casing being broken away for preservation of space;

Fig. 10 is a section on the line illi0 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a portion of Fig. 9 on a larger scale to illustrate more clearly details of the coinhandling mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a portion of Fig. 6 on an enlarged scale showing details oi the carrier release and locking mechanism;

Fig. 13 is a section on the line i3-I3 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 14 is a view of the coin-handling mechanism shown in Fig. 11 with the mechanism moved to a position to deposit coins in a receiving container;

Fig. 15 is a view of the coin-handling mechanism shown in Fig. 11 with the mechanism in coin-return position;

Fig. 16 is a section on the line IB-IG of Fig. 11;

Fig. 17 is a section on the line i1|1 oi' Fig. 11;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the carrierrelease and locking mechanism;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the coin-handling mechanism;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an element of the coin-handling mechanism;

Fig. 21 is a view of a blank from which an individual bucket is formed;

Fig. 22 is a perspective of one of the buckets forming a bucket chain carrier; and,

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a novel locking means to prevent unwarranted back-up rotation oi the carriers.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, l0 indicates generally a dispensing machine constructed in' accordance with the concepts of the present invention. The machine Il includes an outer cover or case 3i comprising an upper section I2, a lower section II which rests on a base I5. and a U-shaped strip I4 of channel cross-section between the upper section I2 and the lower section 33.

'I'he strip I4 includes a plurality of aperimres 42 (Figs. 2 and 12). in each of which is a pushbutton 43. l

The upper section I2 includes a plurality of openings 44 (Fig. 2) for a purpose to be described, coin slots 4I, and an elongated slot 4I beneath the openings' 44 for inspecting the product being dispensed. A single coin slot may be employed, depending upon the coin selector used.

A- support for the operating mechanism of the machine In and the case 3| commises spaced heavy end plates I (Fig. 5) and II (Fig. 9) which are secured to the lbase Il by bolts I3. or the like. A rear plate I4 is removably oonnected to the end plates II and 5I by screws II which engage flanges Il and Il of the end plates II and III, respectively (Figs. 4 and 5). The end plates II and II are of a configuration Y to approximate the cross-section of the cover II.

as is apparent from Figs. 5 and 9. 'Ihe lower section II of the cover II is removably secured totheangesilandi'loftheplatesllandlf by the screws II (Fig. 'I'he strip I4 is welded or otherwise secured to the plates II and Il. The upper section I2 is pivotably connected by hinges II to the rear plate I4.

A shaft II (Figs. 4 and 6) is Simpolted by the plates II and Il towards the upper ends thereof, being maintained in fixed relation .by nuts II. Double sprockets I2 are freely rotatable on the shaft II, being maintained in predetermined positions thereon by suitable collars II. Each sprocket I2 includes spaced sprocket wheels I4 and II connected in spaced relation by pins II. 'Ihe sprocket wheel I4 includes alternately outwardly turned ears or stops I1 (Figs. 4 and l2) and semi-circular notches II. The stops I'I are preferably at right angles to the plane of the sprocket wheel I4 and angularly dispod relative to a radius, as shown in Fig. l2- The sprocket wheel II includes semi-circular notches II spaced similarly to the semi-circular notches II of the sprocket wheel I4. A heavy `expansible spring 'II is associated with each sprocket I2,

- the speed of rotation thereof, being located between the end plate II and an end of the cover portion II. The governor II includes the aforementioned gear 11 xed to the shaft II by the set screw 1I. A plate II is fixed to the end plate II by screws I2 which are surrounded by spacers II. A shaft I4 is Journaled in the plates Il and II to which is xed a gear II by a suitable associated collar II and set screw Il. A pinion II is fixed to the gear Il concentric therewith, and engages the gear 'II. A second shaft II is .iournaled in the plates II and II to one side of and above the shaft I4 to which is fixed a pinion III. The pinion III engages the gear I5. Spring-arms III and II2 are xed to the shaft II by a -nut' and bolt assemblage IIII. The spring arms IIlIand II2 are of the configuration clearly shown in Fig. 8, each having xed to the free end thereof a weight II4 and a pad IIII. The pads III engage the inner surface of an annular wall III of a cup II'I concentric with the shaft II and ilxed to the plate II by screws III (Fig. '1). It is clear that the .lust-described mechanism retards the speed of rotation of the shaft 1I.

A continuous bucket chain carrier III is assoelated with each pair of opposed sprockets I2 Each carrier III includes a plurality of buckets III (Figs. 8 and 22). Each bucket -|I| has opposed sides II2 of the conguration shown, a bottom III, an end II4, and an abbreviated top III. Each side II2 includes an eyeleted aperture III and a post Ill. The portion of each side II2 bearing the eyeleted aperture III is oil'set outwardly from that portion bearing the post Ill. The top III is secured to the sides II2 by extensions III which engage suitable slots 1n the aforesaid sides H2. The

one end of whichis secured to the shaft II by suitable means, such as a screw 1| while the other end is fixed to one of the pins II by a screw 12. Each spring 'III tends at all times to rotate its respective sprocket I2 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 12).

A shaft 1I (Figs. 6 and 10) is journaled in` the end plates III and 5I a predetermined distance below the shaft II, being maintained in position by a collar 'II at one end and by a gear 11 nxed by a set screw 'II thereto at the other end. Double sprockets II are freely rotatable on the shaft 15, there being the same number of sprockets 1I as there are sprockets I2. Reh

sprocket 1I includes sprocket wheels II and II spaced and maintained in assembled relation by pins I2, each of the sprocket wheels fII and IIy including spaced semi-circular notches II on the periphery thereof. A collar I4 and a gear Il mounted on a hub II, fixed to the shaft Il f by set screws Il, maintain each sprocket 'II in' predetermined position on the shaft 1I. Pawls II are pivoted to each sprocket wheel II in position for one-way locking engagement with the teeth ofthe gear II.

' A governor generally designated II (Figs. 4,

i II for rotation.

5, 7, and 8) is connected to the shaft 1I to limit 75 buckets III are of integral construction, being formed from a blank of the configuration shown in Fig. 2l. Itis apparent that the posts III of one bucket fit into the eyeleted apertures III of an adjacent bucket to form the bucket chain.

Each carrier III is disposed about opposed sprockets I2 and 'II with the posts IIIv engaging the semi-circular notches II and I3, respec-v tively (Pig. 6). one bucket Hl or each carrier III has a stop |20 for a purpose to be described. Guides I2I and |22 fixed to and betweenthe end plates II and II prevent displacement of the carriers inwardly.

`A guide shield I2I is disposed about the carriers III (Fig. 6). being connected by a flange |24 to the strip I4 (Fis. 12) and by a'ilange I2! to the rear, plate 54. l.The guide shield |2I is extensive and abuts the end plates II and II (Fig. 10), whereby `the carriers III and the products carried thereby are enclosed.

A release and locking mechanism III (Figs. 6, 12 and 18) is provided, whereby the carriers III may be actuated individually. A shaft III (Fig. 16) is Journaled in the end plates II and A second shaft II2 is suspended from the shaft III by arms III rigid with the shaft |32 and fixed to the shaft III by a set screw II4. Adjacent each of the sprockets I2 are two bell crank levers III and I'II (Fig. 18) which are disposed in contiguous relation and both of which are connected by a lever I I1 to the respective push-button 4I (Fig.

aosasov 12), the lever 01 being plvotally connected to the arms and |00 of the bell crank levers |36 and |00. The bell crank |00 includes a second arm |40 which terminates in a right-angular extension |42. The extension |42 is normally adapted to contact a stop 01 of the associated sprocket 82 (Fig. 6). The bell crank |08 1ncludes a second arm |40 having an elongated arcuate flange 144 (Figs. 12 and 18) and a weight |46. The arcuate flange |44 is adapted to be contacted by the stop 01 preceding the stop 01 contacting the extension |42 upon release of the extension |42 from its contiguous stop 01 if the extension |42 is not allowed to drop back to normal position to prevent unnecessary rotation of the sprocket 02 and to insure successive contact of the extension |42 with the stops 01. An angle bracket |40 is xed to each lever |01 for cooperation with the respective stop |20.

A locking device |40 of well-known construction is provided for preventing the operation of more than one carrier ||0 at a time. The locking device |40 includes a plurality of slidable plate |49 (Fig. 13) which are disposed in endto-end relation beneath the central portion of the guide |2|, each including a pair of slots |60 engaging rivets |8|. Each plate |49 is cut away at opposed corners to provide a V between contiguous plates |49. The total overall free space provided is just suillcient to permit the ends of the arms |00 and |09 of one pair of bell cranks |36 and |00 to be moved between two plates |49. Two push buttons 40, therefore, cannot be moved inwardly simultaneously.

Acoin selector |80 (Fig. 11) of well-known construction is fixed by suitable means to the upper portion of the end plate 6|. For present pulpOses, it is sumcient to mention a double coin chute |0| which communicates with the coin slots 46 in the upper section 02 of the case 0|.

A coin-handling mechanism |66 is shown clearly in Figs. 9, 11, 13-1'1, 19, and 20. Referring to Fig. 19, the coin-handling mechanism |66 includes three contiguous plates |00 and three contiguous plates |64 maintained in predetermined spaced relation by pins |86. The plates |83 include aligned apertures |80 adjacent the upper edge thereof and aligned slots |01 towards the lower edge thereof. Each slot |81 includes a short narrow portion |88 and a wide portion |69 at the junction of which is a shoulder |10. The intermediate plate |60 is cut away to provide a coin slot |59 (Fig. 17), the sides of which are deiined by the outer plates |60. The plates |84 include aligned slots |1| and |12 spaced vertically, the slots |12 being oi greater length than the slots |1 I. Each of the slots |1| includes a narrow portion |13 and a wide portion |14, at the juncture of which is ashoulder |16. Each of the slots |12 includes a narrow portion |10 and a wide portion |11 at the juncture of which is a shoulder |18. The intermediate plate |84 is cut away to provide a coin slot |68 (Fig. 17), the sides of which are dened by the outer plates |84. The coin slots |68 and |69 are disposed to receive coins from the slots |8| forming part of the coin selector mechanism |80 (Fig. 11). Each of the slots |61, |1|. and |12 is arcuate in cross-section, being a part of a respective circle, the centers of which coincide with the center of the apertures |66. A lever |00 is pivoted to a post |8| fixed to the plate 6| and includes at its free end an extension |62 disposed in the slots |1| (Figs. 11 and 19). A lever |00 is pivoted to a post |84 fixed to the plate 6| and includes an extension |06 disposed within the slots |12. A lever 00 (Fig. 19) is likewise pivoted to the post |04 and includes an extension |01 (Fig. 16) disposed in the slots |01. The levers |00 and |06 are connected by a strip |00 for simultaneous movement.

Referring to Fig. 16 the aligned apertures |80 are disposed about a reduced extension |9| of the shaft |0|. A nut |00 securely forces the plates |60 against the shoulder setting on the reduced extension |0|.

A coin stop |92 (Figs. 16 and 20) including a main body portion and an arcuate flange |94 is pivoted by means of an aperture |96 on the shaft |0| adjacent the outer plate |80. link |96 is pivoted to the main body |90 of the coin stop |92 by a suitable rivet |91, or the like, at one end and is fixed to a button |99 (Figs. 14 and 15) similar to the buttons 40 at the other end. A spring 204 biases the link |96 and the coin stop |92 into the positions shown in Fig. 14. The button |99 is disposed to reciprocate in an aperture 200 in the strip 04. As is evident, the flange |94 is adapted to be disposed adjacent the lower edge of the coin-handling mechanism |66. 'I'he lower edge of the coin-handling mechanism |66 and the flange |94 are segments of' concentric circles.

Beneath the coin-handling mechanism |66 are a coin return chute 20| and a coin-receiving box 202 (Fig. 9) which may be of any desired configuration. The coin return chute 20| opens through the lower section 00 of the casing 0| at '203. Y An angle member 206 including sides 208 an 201 is plvotally supported at its ends by plates 60 and 6| (Figs. 4, 6, and 9), being disposed adjacent the upper edges of the sprockets 19. A fiat member 208 is loosely connected to the side 206 adjacent each sprocket 19 by a reduced extension 209 (Fig. 23) through which extends a cotter pin 2|0, or the like. The free end of each member 208 normally rests on one of the sprocket wheels of the respective sprockets 19. A wire 2|| is connected to the side 201 and to a suitggle point of the underside of the upper section It is apparent that the structural details of the just-described dispensing machine 00 may be varied within the limits of the invention. The particular configuration of the case and the particular configuration of the working parts may vary from those shown in the drawings, asis palpable. It is fully contemplated that more or less than four carrier units may be employed in a completed dispensing machine. Further, it is fully appreciated that the carriers may be of sufficient length to require the disposition of the lower shaft 16 and its associated mechanisms just above the base 06. thereby lending maximum capacity to the machine.

With some machines 00 a change-making mechanism is employed, being required by statute. Where such mechanisms are used the coin return chute 20| and the coin-receiving box 202 are located differently from the present disclosure in order to receive their proper coins from both the coin-handling mechanism |66 and such change-making mechanism.

Operation The present dispensing machine 00 is particularly adapted for the vending of cigarettes, a1- though other products, such as candy bars, and the like, may be sold or distributed by lt. For

purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that cigarettes. each package with a paper of matches, are being dispensed by the machine 20.

With the machine 20 empty, the carriers I|0 will be disposed with the stops |20 (Fig. 6) adjacent the angle brackets |42. It is obvious that, with the stops |20 adjacent the angle brackets |46. the push buttons 42 cannot be moved inwardly, thereby indicating that the carriers IIO. or a particular carrier III, are empty.4 Let it be assumed that all of the carriers are empty, although Lfor the purpose of this discussion of operation only one carrier II0 will be considered. inasmuch as the several carriers ||0 are identical both in construction and in operation.

The upper section 22 of the cover 2| is thrown backwardly about the hinges 02, which pivots members 208 into inoperative positions and which reveals the upper elements of the internal mechanism. A pack of cigarettes with a package of matches on top is disposed in each bucket I of the carrier I|0 exposed to view. The carrier I I0 is then rotated manually in a clockwise direction (Fig. 6) moving the loaded buckets I|| downwardly and exposing additional empty buckets III. The empty buckets now exposed are loaded and the foregoing action repeated until all of the buckets III are loaded.

'I'he manual movement of the carrier IIO clockwise winds the heavy actuating spring 10, providing power for subsequently automatically moving the carrier IIO counterclockwise in the dispensing of the cigarettes. The carrier IIO can be manually moved clockwise without throwing into action the governor 20, since the lower sprocket 12 is freely rotatable on the shaft 15, and the pawls 22 pivoted thereto ride over the gear 25 fixed to the shaft 1l in this clockwise movement of the sprocket 12 (Fig. 6) The guide shield |22 insures that the buckets retain the cigarettes and matches deposited therein (Fig. 6).

After the carrier IIO is fully loaded, the upper section 22 of the cover 2| is lowered against the strip 24 and locked in position by suitable locking mechanism. The carrier I I2 is then ready to dispense the cigarettes and matches contained in the buckets I I I.

Three nickels or a dime and a nickel are deposited in the respective slots 40 (Fig. 2). The coins move through the chutes I6I (Fig. l1) of the coin selector |60 and into the proper coin slots |60 and |59, being stopped at the bottom of the aforesaid coin slots |02 and |62 by the flange |04 of the coin stop |22. Where three nickels 206 are employed, the nickels will assume the positions shown in Fig. 1l, the bottom nickel 205 extending into the defined area of the slots |12 and the top nickel extending into thedeflned area of the slots |1I.

The button 42 is pushed inwardly to the position shown in Fig. l2. Movement of the button 42 inwardly pivots the bell cranks |26 and |26 clockwise (Fig. l2), thereby releasing the extension |42 from engagement with the stop 21 thereagainst. The pivotal movement of the bell cranks |20 and |26 moves the shaft |22 in a clockwise direction, thereby pivoting the shaft |2I. which is connected with the coin-handling mechanism |66 (Fig. 16). Inasmuch as the three nickels 206 are in the respective positions shown in Fig. 11, the coin-handling mechanism |60 can be pivoted counterclockwise (Fig. 11), whereupon the extensions |22 and |06 of the levers |20 and |22, respectively, ride over the portions of the 7s nickels 208 within the slots |1| and |12, respectively, as a lift into the narrow portions |12 and |16, respectively, from the wide portions |14 and |11. respectively. It is, of course. clear that were the nickels 206 not in the coin slot |62 then the extensions |82 and |85 would strike the shoulders |16 and |18, respectively, blocking further movement of the dispensing mechanism.

As the engaged stop 61 is released from the extension |42 of the bell crank |26, the spring 10 xed to the shaft 60 rotates the sprocket 62 counterclockwise (Fig. 12). Should the button 42 be maintained in the position shown in Fig. I2, the next stop 61 following the released stop 61 will engage the arcuate flange |44 of the bell crank |26. However, as the button 42 is released. the weight |45 forces the bell cranks |20 and |28 back into the positions shown in Fig. 6, whereupon the sprocket 62 continues in its rotation through the force of the spring 10 until the aforesaid next succeeding stop 61 engages the extension |42 of the bell crank |26. During the rotation of the sprocket 62, the carrier I|0 is moved Just sufficiently to raise the next full bucket from stamp inspection position into dispensing position opposite the respective opening 44 (Fig. 2)

Considering Fig. 6, the bucket III', during the aforesaid movement of the sprocket 62, moves from stamp inspection position, in which the upper and lower defining walls are in substantially parallel relationship, the upper defining wall actually being the bottom of the bucket III', into the position of bucket I I I. in which position the upper and lower defining walls are in diverging relationship, the upper defining wall. of course, being the bottom of the next higher bucketl III. The spreading apart of the defining walls of the buckets III, as they move around the half circle with the shaft 60 as a center, permits the cigarettes and matches within the particular dispensing bucket III to be readily removed therefrom, since the aforesaid spread adds a sufficient amount of space for the fingers of a person removing cigarettes and matches from the bucket. The spreading of the buckets I I I as they move around the contacted semi-circle of the sprocket 62 is, of course, occasioned by the fact that the circle of the outer edges of the buckets is of greater circumference than the circle defined by the posts I I1.

The governor (Figs. 5-8) functions to soften the force of the springs 10. The springs 10 of necessity must be strong in order to rotate the carriers IIO, and a particular spring 10 would rotate its carrier I0 at relatively high speed were the governor 80 not attached to the shaft 1l. As a carrier ||0 is moved by its spring 12. the sprocket 18 is rotated, carrying with it the pivoted pawls 06 which, in the counterclockwise movement of the sprocket 12 (Fig. 6) occasioned by the spring 10, engages the teeth of the gear 6I which, being nxed to the shaft 1l, rotates the shaft 15 to throw the governor 20 into action to slow down the otherwise rapid rotation of the carrier ||0 and the associated mechanism. The particular functioning of the elements of the governor 20 need not be detailed here, since the governor 80 is of well-known construction and its operation is obvious from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Were the governor 20 not used, the buttons 42 would be kicked back through the force of the associated springs 10, an undesirable reaction. The

employment of the governor 88 results in .a Y

smooth return of the buttons 88.

As the bell cranks |88 and |88 are pivoted' by movement of the button 88 inwardly, the lower ends thereof are moved between two plates |88` separation attempt inasmuch as the overall.

free space is occupied by the ends of the bell cranks |88 and |88.

It is. of course, apparent that the levers |88 and |88 are simultaneously raised so that it is but necessary to positively raise either the extension |82 of the former or the extension |81 of the latter to permit operation of the machine 88. This permits a package of cigarettes to be secured either through the deposit of a dime and a nickel or three nickels.

In a full stroke of any push button I8 to purchase a particular package of cigarettes, the coin-handling mechanism is moved from the position shown in Fig. 1l to the position shown in Fig. 14. As the coin-handling mechanism |88 assumes the relationship shown in Fig. 14', the coins in the coin slots |88 and |88 drop by gravity into the coin-receiving container 282, for the coin slots |88 and |88 are moved beyond the effective retaining surface of the flange |88. The machine 88 is constructed to permit the coinhandling mechanism to hesitate sumciently long in the position shown in Fig. i4 to deposit the purchasing coins in the coin-receiving container 282.

Should the potential purchaser change his mind relative to thepurchase of a particular brand of cigarettes after depositing his coins but before pushing a selected button 88, he may recover his coins by moving the push button |88 (Fig. 15) inwardly. Movement of the push button |88 moves the coin stop |82 from the position shown in Fig. 1l to the position shown in Fig. 15. In the aforesaid latter position of the coin stop |82, coins in the coin slots |88 and |88 drop into the coin return chute 28|. 'I'he potential purchaser can then readily recover the coins by extending his hand through the opening 288.

In cases where the coin selector |88 refuses to pass a coin into either the coin slot |88 or slot |88 of the coin-handling mechanism |88, the rejected coin can be recovered by the individual inserting it into the machine 88 by moving the button |88 inwardly into the position shown in Fig. l5. The inward movement of the button |88 actuates an element of the coin selector |88 to release the rejected coin or coins into the slots |88 or |88 with the coin stop` |82 in the position of Fig. 15. The rejected coin or coins will pass through the slots |88 and |88 into the coin return chute 28|.

When the last loaded bucket of a particular carrier ||8 reaches the respective opening 88, the stop |28 (Fig. 6) will be opposite the angle bracket |88. Further attempts to purchase cigarettes from that carrier ||8 through movement of the button 88 inwardly will result in contact of the angle bracket |88 against the stop |28, which will block further operation of that particular carrier 8. It is contemplated that some designation be inscribed within the last loaded bucket to indicate, when empty, that the cigarettes are exhausted in that carrier ||8. It is also contemplated that each bucket of a carrier ||8 be numbered to indicate the number of. packages of cigarettes remaining inthe carrier ||8.

The angle member 288 and its associated members m prevent a. pisyrui" mdividun vfrom moving the carriers ||8 against their springs 18 toback up the loaded buckets |I| after some buckets have dispensed the contained product. Referring to Fig. 9, attempted counterclockwise movement of the carriers ||8 with the upper section 82 locked is prevented by engagement of the. respective member 288 in the notch 88 of the respective sprocket 18. Clockwise dispensing movement of the carriers ||8 is permitted, for the members 288 ride freely over the sprockets 18. When the upper section 82 is raised for refilling the carriers ||8, the wire 2|I is raised which pivots the member 288 to simultaneously pivot all of the members 288 out of engagement with the sprockets 18, since they are adjacent the side 281. The carriers ||8 are then free for refill movement.

It is to be noted that the various elements of the machine 88 are pivotally or rotatably related. Friction is thereby reduced to a minimum, which is essential in the present machine 88, since the total actuating movement of a button 88 is less than about an inch. 'Ihe instant machine 88 reduces the work required by a user to the mere moving inwardly of a button a short distance and the subsequent release thereof.

The special features of the presentmachine 88 are apparent, but particular note should be takenv of the fact that none of "the various elements of the machine 88 is required to move through a relatively great distance or is required to make a strenuous eflort in the performance of its particular duty. There are no parts which can readily become inoperative through use, obviating the abuse to which dispensing machines are often subjected due to faulty operation occasioned by failure of the internal mechanism. 'I'he action of the present machine is both positive and fast. The movement of a particular carrier ||8 can be observed bythe purchaser so that the purchaser can immediately perceive. whether or not the machine is functioning, thereby doing away with the suspense and subsequent irritation too often occasioned by dispensing machines now being used.

The present machine 88 is vermin-proof, inasmuch as the guide shield |28 cooperates with the support plates 88 and 8|, the strip 88, and the top section 82 to completely enclose the carriers ||8. 'I'he particular buckets disposed adjacent the openings 4I are, of course, open to the exterior, but these buckets are empty. 'Ihe upper portion 82 of the cover 8| is constructed so that the buckets adjacent the openings 88 are substantially in closing relation. It is apparent that some additional closing medium may be employed to further insure the closing of! from the exterior of those buckets not opening into the openings 48. The machine 88 can, therefore, be employed to dispense chocolate bars, and the like, without the danger of becoming infested with vermin, and the like.

From the foregoing it is clear that the dispensing operation of the machine 88 is simple. Further, it is as obvious that the loading of the machine is also quite simple. 'I'he capacity of the machine 88 is large, inasmuch as the carriers ||8 are continuous. The products within the buckets of the carriers ||8 are individually supported by the buckets I, thereby obviating crushing of the products being dispensed, which often happens where chocolate bars, cigarettes, and the like, are stacked, one upon the other. This iailure particularly occurs as regards stacked chocolate bars, and the like, in warm weather.

It is apparent that the machine shown and described fulnlls all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example, and not for purposes of limitation, the invention beinglimited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing machine comprising supporting means, a plurality of endless carriers supported thereby, each carrier including a plurality of buckets pivotally connected to form an endless chain, means for automatically moving each carrier, means normally locking said carriers against dispensing movement, and means for releasing an individual carrier to permit said moving means to move the carrier a predetermined amount.

2. A dispensing machine comprising a support, a plurality of carriers movably supported by said support, each carrier comprising a plurality of buckets pivotally connected to form an endless bucket chain. individual means for moving each carrier, individual means releasably connected to each carrier for preventing movement thereof by said moving means, individual means for releasing each movement-preventing means, and means normally preventing operation of said individual release means.

3. A dispensing machine comprising a support, a plurality of carriers movably supported by said support, individual means for movingeach carrier, individual means releasably connected to each carrier for preventing movement thereof by said moving means, individual means for releasing each movement-preventing means. individual means for limiting the movement of each carrier upon the restraint of said release means in release position, and means normally preventing operation of said individual release means.

4. A dispensing machine comprising a support, a plurality of carriers movably supported by said support, individual means for moving each carrier, individual means releasably conneoted to each carrier for preventing movement thereof, individual means for releasing each movement-preventing means, individual means for limiting the movement of each carrier upon the restraint of said release means in release position, means for preventing the operation of more than one release means at a time, means normally preventing operation of said individual means, means preventing back-up movement of the carriers when the machine is in service, and means for governing the speed of movement oi the carriers upon being released.

5. In a dispensing machine, a bucket adapted to receive a product, said bucket including opposed side walls, a portion of each side wall being l oilset relative -to the other portion or the wall, each of the greater spaced portion of the side walls including an aperture and each of the lesser spaced portions including a stud, and diverging top and bottom walls.

6. In a device of the kind described, a carrier, a movable support for said carrier including a plurality of stop elements movable therewith,

means for moving said carrier, means engaging a stop element to prevent movement of said carrier, means to release' said stop-engaging means from said stop, and means for preventing rotation of said carrier upon release of the engaged stop beyond a predetermined degree to insure periodical stopping of said carrier.

7. A dispensing machine comprising a case, a support within said case, a ilrst shaft immovably supported by said support, asecond shaft rotatably journaled in said support below said ilrst shaft, a plurality oi double sprockets freely rotatable on each shaft, a bucket chain carrier supported on each opposed pair of sprockets. a heavy coil spring connected between each upper double sprocket and the iixed shaft tending at all times to rotate the sprocket and its associated carrier in one direction, a third shaft lournaled in said support Just below said upper sprockets, a pair of bell crank levers iixed to each other and freely rotatable on said third shaft adjacent each upper sprocket, a link pivoted to each pair of bell cranks and fixed to a button mounted in the case for reciprocal movement, spaced stops on each upper sprocket sdjacent the periphery, an extension on one of the bell cranks of each pair disposed to normally engage a stop on the associated sprocket, a ilange formed as part of the other of the bell cranks' of each pair adapted to be contacted by the stop following the engaged stop under circumstances of release, a bar connected to said third shaft by arms fixed to said third shaft, said bar extending along adjacent the bell cranks and being adapted to be contacted and moved by a pivoted pair of bell cranks to pivot the third shaft, means preventing the pivotal movement of more than one pair of bell cranks at a time, means normally preventing operation of the buttons, a

locking mechanism to prevent back-up movement of the carriers when the machine is in use, and a governor connected to said lower rotatable shaft adapted to control individually the movement of each carrier eifected by its associated spring.

8. A dispensing machine comprising supporting means, spaced sprockets supported thereby, an endless carrier disposed about said sprockets including a plurality of buckets for dispensing articles, means for automatically moving said carrier in one direction, means normally preventing automatic rotation of said carrier, means for releasing said rotation ,preventing means. and means normally preventing operation of said releasing means, said rotation preventing means including a plurality of spaced stops on one of the sprockets and a pivotally mounted lever having means e a stop.

9. A dispensing machine comprising supporting means, spaced sprockets supported thereby, an endless carrier disposed about said sprockets including a plurality of buckets for dispensing' articles, means for automatically moving said carrier in one direction, means normally preventing automatic rotation oi said carrier, means for releasing said rotation preventing means, means for limiting the movement of-the carrier upon the restraint of said release means, and means normally preventing operation of said releasing means, said xotation preventing means including a plurality of spaced stops on one of the sprockets and a pivotally mounted lever having means engaging a stop, said limiting means including a second lever pivotally mounted to move with the nrst lever having means adapted to be engaged by the stop just released by the engaging means of the first lever upon the restraint of the release means.

10. A dispensing machine comprising a casing, an article dispensing opening in said casing, a carrier movably supported in said casing. said carrier being located relative to said opening to store the greater part of articles to be dispensed below the said opening, means for moving said carrier, means releasably connected to said carrier for preventing movement thereof by said moving means, means for releasing said movement-preventing means, means for limiting the movement oi said carrier upon the restraint of said release means in release position. and means normally preventing operation of said release means.

LAWRENCE M. PERSONS. 

